Kaizer Chiefs are believed to be ready to make some major changes to their playing staff next season.
Even though there have been names linked with a move to Chiefs, the club is also set to release some.
Players like Siyethemba Sithebe and Sifiso Hlanti have been mentioned, with their deals up soon. They have been joined by Happy Mashiane and Zitha Kwinika of late. One player that has been fighting those exit rumours at Chiefs is Njabulo Ngcobo. Now besides those names, the likes of Edmilson Dove, George Matlou and Keagan Dolly will see their contracts run out.
Sithebe is the one player that was thought to be nailed on for an exit at Chiefs, the dreadlocked midfielder hardly featured under both Molefi Ntseki and Cavin Johnson. Yes, he has been injured for the bulk of the season, but before and after his knock, he was not being considered for match day squads. It then came as a surprise when he was selected to start the 0-0 draw against Cape Town City. He then also started the loss to Stellenbosch.
The more Sithebe has been involved, the more murmurs have started of him getting a new deal at Chiefs. According to Soccer-Laduma sources, that could happen, depending on the new coach.
Sithebe was all but doomed at Chiefs
“(This decision) it’s like a resurrection for him (Sithebe). It’s actually like being given a lifeline by the club (Chiefs). Yes, his contract comes to an end this season and at the moment there is nothing which has been agreed upon but things are looking up for the better since he returned from the injury. He looks rejuvenated and both the technical team as well as management believe if he can be Bt then he can still contribute to the team going forward. Also the club is waiting for the new coach to select his own players from the whole group before either releasing or loaning out players. So, first now, Sithebe has been given a second chance to stay at the team,” said the one source.
Another also enthused that it is now looking promising for a renewal at Chiefs for Sithebe.
“In that position you have players like Yusuf Maart, Edson Castillo and Sibongiseni Mthethwa as well. Then you have to see if Samkelo Zwane is loaned out as per the team’s plans. They would like to keep an experienced player like Sithebe as a cover for defensive midfield. That’s why they are not rushing to say whether he is going or what. But once the new coach comes and makes his decisions regarding players then a new deal would be agreed if he is staying. His fate could be in the new coach’s hands as it were,” said the source.
Interest from other clubs
Sithebe has also been linked with a return to AmaZulu and their neighbours Golden Arrows should he leave Chiefs.